Q. – Why is the University implementing this program?

A. – The University needs to take reasonable action to confirm catering firms have the appropriate business licensure/permits to operate as a legitimate catering business, maintain an adequate facility to properly prepare food and have knowledge on how to prepare, transport and serve food in accordance with acceptable food safety standards.

Q. – Is my business required to participate in the program since our business is limited to the preparation and delivery of food without any on-site services?

A. – Yes, because the food is prepared under your direction and the food is subject to potentially unsafe conditions while in transit up until the point it is handed over to the University, this is considered catering. The exception would be where food is picked-up from a restaurant and no delivery service is provided.

Q. – My catering firm has done business with the University in the past and has never encountered any problems with food quality or safety, so why am I required to participate in this program?

A. – The University appreciates the service provided by catering firms in the past. However, we believe it is a prudent business practice to have a program to assure the catering firms meet minimum standards and operate as legitimate businesses with appropriate licensure, permits, food safety programs and insurance.

Q. – We do not have access to a food safety training program and would like to participate in the program offered by the University. How do we enroll in the training?

A. – Through the University’s College of Human Environmental Sciences, a program lasting approximately two hours will be offered to interested caterers. At this point, it is difficult to determine the need for training and how many classes may need to offered. Once the need is better understood, we may offer the program at regular intervals or on an as-needed basis. We will make every effort to accommodate needs and will take reasonable steps to provide any catering firm the food safety training to qualify for the licensing program.

Q. – Who is required to participate in the food safety training?

A. – At a minimum, the person(s) directing the food preparation, set-up and service should participate in the either the University’s program or a program offered by a recognized training source (e.g. National Restaurant Association, Health Dept. Program, etc.). The University will also recognize food safety programs developed in-house and a general description of the training topics and format should be disclosed on the application.

Q. – Our business does not provide off-site catering services, but has hosted University events in the past at our facilities – Do we need to participate?

A. – It is not necessary to participate in this catering license program if all services are provided at an off-site facility that is dedicated for your use. However, if you use a facility owned and controlled by another party, you must participate in the program.

Q. – If I have any difficulty understanding any part of the request or agreement, who can I contact for assistance?

A. – The Office or Risk Management is responsible for the program and the contact is Bob Pugh @ (205) 348-0395 or bpugh@fa.ua.edu.

Q. - Are University event coordinators aware of this program and can they elect to use my business even if I do not become registered in this program?

A. - The coordinators are aware of the licensing program and are limited to selecting catering firms that appear on the most current list.

Q. - Do I have to submit pricing or menu information in order to be approved by the University in the licensing program?

A. - No, the pricing and menu information are determined for each event by working with the event coordinator. In the application, the caterer may mention the type cuisine they offer and this will be included in the information provided to the event coordinators.

Q. - Bama Dining or Aramark’s Classic Fare, how do these organizations fit in this program?

A. - These organizations are offered the same opportunity as any other catering firm to participate in the licensing program. There are certain University facilities (Lakeside Dining, Ferguson Center) under exclusive-use agreements with these organizations.

Q. - Is this new program required by the Health Department?

A. - No, this is a program developed by the University. However, we do rely on Health Department inspection records to gauge adherence with catering/food service rules enforced by the Health Department.

Q. - How often does this process happen - once I am on the list, do I have to reapply?

A. - The process is ongoing and any caterer may apply at any time they wish. Once approved, the license does not expire, but the University requires a periodic update to include:

• Certificate of Insurance reflecting the renewal/replacement of any expired insurance policies.
• An annual update of Health Department inspections for the prior 12 month period.
• Renewals of any business licensure and/or permits upon expiration.

Q. - How long will it take you to approve my response?

A. - If the application is complete and the requested documentation is provided, the approval should take no more than two weeks from receipt.

Q. – Will this program impact the payment to the caterer?

A. – In general, it will not change the process. The caterer will need to submit a post-event invoice for approval by an authorized person(s). Once approved, the processing time is typically 10-14 days. However, by having tax I.D. information and correct mailing information in our file, any delay to obtain this needed information will be eliminated.